ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Professor creates video games that redefine art
• Study shows North Atlantic Ocean CO2 storage doubled over last decade
• What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell
• Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters
• Clip-on device offers protection against mosquitoes that transmit Zika
• Drug prevents key age-related brain change in rats
• Novel nanoparticle made of common mineral may help keep tumor growth at bay
• Building a foundation for computer science for all
• Gray treefrogs provide clues to climate change
• New drug target for Rett syndrome
• Sstudy identifies mechanism for drug target to help block HIV's ability to spread
• Sharpin emerges from the pack as a regulator of inflammation
• Pharmaceutical residues increasingly disrupt aquatic life: A hidden global change
• New light shed on anti-adhesive molecule in the vascular endothelium
• Seeing exemplary peer work can undermine student performance
• Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus
• Using mathematics to improve human health
• Physicists create artificial 'graphene'
• Fishing for answers about mercury consumption
• National politics shape the impacts of park law enforcement
• Adenosine deaminase may help the immune system fight HIV on its own
• Biomolecule's behavior under artificial conditions more natural than expected
• Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer
• Effects on HIV and Ebola
• You can teach an old dog new tricks, but younger dogs learn faster
• Cell insight offers clues on biological processes linked to fertility
• Listeria: Hypervirulent strains with cerebral and placental tropism
• Humans evolved by sharing technology and culture
• Scientists have put a high precision blood assay into a simple test strip
• Smallest lattice structure worldwide
• Maps of forests, fields and soils to aid climate change forecasts
• Inflammation attacks brain's reward center
• Collagen, heparan sulfate coatings alter cell proliferation, attachment
• Newly identified pathway links fetal brain development to adult social behavior
• Physician group issues advice, raises questions about best practices for evaluating blood in the urine as a sign of cancer
• Uncommon surnames narrate the family history of those who bear them
• Increased risk of bacterial infection if food is exposed to light
• Flu vaccine shows promise for reducing risk of influenza-associated atrial fibrillation
• A uniter and a divider: Purity keeps us together -- and apart
• Helicopter parents take extreme approach to homework
• Turning down the volume on cancer
• Cling-on warriors: Sandcastle worms serve as inspiration for a new type of underwater adhesive
• Lava flow crisis averted (for now)
• Anti-bullying program focused on bystanders helps the students who need it the most
• Living a 'mixotrophic' lifestyle
• Study may offer answers for treating depression in alcoholics
• Researchers figure out how super-hot peppers pack their punch
• Can games help train future doctors and nurses?
• Does gender expression impact weight? New research ties masculinity to higher BMI for young people
• Scientist creates artificial intelligence algorithm to monitor machinery health
• New galaxy-hunting sky camera sees redder better
• Adolescent weight gain on popular injectable contraceptive may depend on micronutrient intake
• Super Mario gets social intelligence
• Lack of data increases risk to species’ survival
• Americans are ten times more likely to die from firearms than citizens of other developed countries
• Study determines saliva gland test can spot early Parkinson's disease
• Scientists create imaging 'toolkit' to help identify new brain tumor drug targets
• Study examines response to sexual violence on campus
• 'Junk' DNA plays role in preventing breast cancer
• Monsanto's glyphosate now most heavily used weed-killer in history

Professor creates video games that redefine art Posted: 02 Feb 2016 04:24 PM PST Eddo Stern straddles the world of fine art and game design to ask fundamental questions about what is real.

Study shows North Atlantic Ocean CO2 storage doubled over last decade Posted: 02 Feb 2016 03:54 PM PST A new study shows that the North Atlantic absorbed 50 percent more human-made carbon dioxide over the last decade, compared to the previous decade. The findings show the impact that the burning of fossil fuels have had on the world's oceans in just 10 years.

What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell Posted: 02 Feb 2016 03:54 PM PST By studying stroke victims who have lost the ability to spell, researchers have pinpointed the parts of the brain that control how we write words.

Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters Posted: 02 Feb 2016 03:54 PM PST Scientists have announced the discovery of four new species of deep-water algae in Hawaii's Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The new species were collected between 200-400 feet, depths not typically known for marine algae.

Clip-on device offers protection against mosquitoes that transmit Zika Posted: 02 Feb 2016 02:40 PM PST A new repellent device could be an effective tool for preventing bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito -- the primary vector of Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever -- according to a new article.

Drug prevents key age-related brain change in rats Posted: 02 Feb 2016 02:40 PM PST New findings shed light on the mechanisms of cognitive decline and identify potential strategies to stem it.

Novel nanoparticle made of common mineral may help keep tumor growth at bay Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:39 AM PST Engineers have found a way to keep a cancerous tumor from growing by using nanoparticles of the main ingredient in common antacid tablets. With their work, researchers show for the first time that they can modulate pH in solid tumors using intentionally designed nanoparticles.

Building a foundation for computer science for all Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST Computer science has become a new basic skill, essential in order to excel in an increasingly computational and data-intensive world. However, access to computer science (CS) at the K-12 levels remains limited. CS is taught in less than 25 percent of US high schools. Rural and high-need schools are even less likely to offer it. Moreover, in schools that do offer CS, students of color and girls often participate in very low numbers.

Gray treefrogs provide clues to climate change Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST Evidence indicates that 2015 was the hottest year on record. Increasing temperatures and climate variability might have an effect on the sounds produced by gray treefrogs. In a recent study, scientists found that a female's interpretation of male mating calls may not be affected by climate change; however, knowing how breeding habits are affected can help predict the health of ecosystems.

New drug target for Rett syndrome Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST A faulty signaling pathway has been identified that, when corrected, in mice ameliorates the symptoms of Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological condition. The findings could lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that may benefit children affected by the disease.

Sstudy identifies mechanism for drug target to help block HIV's ability to spread Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST A new study identifies how RNA-based drug 5-aza-C blocks HIV's ability to spread by converting to DNA before infiltrating the virus. Because RNA drugs are more cost-effective, the findings could provide insight for developing more affordable HIV medications.

Sharpin emerges from the pack as a regulator of inflammation Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:37 AM PST It is normal -- in fact necessary -- for our immune system to occasionally fly into an inflammatory rage to defend the host (us) against pathogens or even tumor cells. Problems arise when the rage persists or is re-directed against one's self, as occurs in autoimmune disease.

Pharmaceutical residues increasingly disrupt aquatic life: A hidden global change Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:36 AM PST Let's forget about the climate for a minute. Largely hidden from public view, another global change is causing increasing disruption. Residues of medicines in water can kill aquatic animals and play havoc with their food web and reproductive cycle. An international team of researchers makes an urgent case for better wastewater treatment and biodegradable pharmaceuticals.

New light shed on anti-adhesive molecule in the vascular endothelium Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:36 AM PST Researchers describe the role of endomucin, a molecule that -- under healthy circumstances -- resists the adhesion of white blood cells as they move through the circulatory system. These findings suggest that promoting the expression of endomucin may prevent the collection of white blood cells that causes tissues to become inflamed.

Seeing exemplary peer work can undermine student performance Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:36 AM PST From academic honors to 'employee of the month' awards, we are regularly exposed to and made aware of the exemplary performance of others. Many believe such recognition not only acknowledges the individual but also motivates others to strive toward greater achievement. But new research suggests that exposure to exceptional performance can sometimes have the opposite results, effectively discouraging people from higher-level performance.

Greenland ice sheet releasing 'Mississippi River' worth of phosphorus Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:31 AM PST Not only is Greenland's melting ice sheet adding huge amounts of water to the oceans, it could also be unleashing 400,000 metric tons of phosphorus every year -- as much as the mighty Mississippi River releases into the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new study. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that feeds plankton at the base of the ocean food web.

Using mathematics to improve human health Posted: 02 Feb 2016 11:31 AM PST Scientists have used mathematics as a tool to provide precise details of the structure of protein nanoparticles, potentially making them more useful in vaccine design.

Physicists create artificial 'graphene' Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:40 AM PST Physicists have created an artificial material with a structure comparable to graphene.

Fishing for answers about mercury consumption Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:40 AM PST A new study has provided the first report on the relationship of brain concentrations of mercury to brain neuropathology and diseases associated with dementia.

National politics shape the impacts of park law enforcement Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:25 AM PST Conservation efforts are designed to restrict activities in protected areas, but the restrictions can have unintended consequences. A researcher examined the results of a multi-million dollar European Union aid project in West Africa and found that a country's national governance quality can affect the livelihoods of families who rely on resources from national parks and other protected areas.

Adenosine deaminase may help the immune system fight HIV on its own Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST A new therapeutic strategy for HIV may already be available by repurposing an existing prescription drug, new research shows. The drug, an enzyme called adenosine deaminase, or ADA, ultimately may be able to activate the immune system against HIV and to help the immune system 'remember' the virus to prevent or quickly eliminate future infection.

Biomolecule's behavior under artificial conditions more natural than expected Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST Researchers often analyze isolated biomolecules in test tubes, and it is doubtful if the results can be applied to densely-packed cells. A team of researchers monitored the folding of an RNA structure in the living cell and compared the results with those of test tube analyses.

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST The relationship of the worldwide increase in height with the development of leading chronic non-communicable diseases has been revealed in a new article. Tall people have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher risk of cancer. The authors discuss which dietary factors and other mechanisms may explain these associations.

Effects on HIV and Ebola Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST Extracts of the medicinal plant Cistus incanus (Ci) prevent human immunodeficiency viruses from infecting cells, new research shows. Active antiviral ingredients in the extracts inhibit docking of viral proteins to cells, they say.

You can teach an old dog new tricks, but younger dogs learn faster Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:18 AM PST Aging affects the cognitive abilities of dogs, as a recent study shows. A team of scientists studied dogs of different ages working on a specially designed touchscreen and discovered that although all dogs were capable of learning, older dogs learnt more slowly than younger ones. No age-related differences were found regarding long-term memory.

Cell insight offers clues on biological processes linked to fertility Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST Congenital disorders such as Down's syndrome could be better understood, following new insights into how healthy cells are formed. Scientists have identified a set of proteins that play a key role in preventing errors during the formation of healthy cells.

Listeria: Hypervirulent strains with cerebral and placental tropism Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST A large-scale study based on almost 7,000 strains of Listeria monocytogenes -- the bacterium responsible for human listeriosis, a severe foodborne infection -- has concluded. Through the integrative analysis of epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data, the researchers have revealed the highly diverse pathogenicity of isolates belonging to this bacterial species.

Humans evolved by sharing technology and culture Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST New findings from Blombos Cave show that Stone Age man in Africa exchanged technology to a large extent. The more contact between groups, the stronger technology developed. The exchange of tools can explain humans journey from Africa to Europe.Blombos Cave in South Africa gives vast knowledge of our early ancestors as early as 100,000 years ago.

Scientists have put a high precision blood assay into a simple test strip Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST Researchers have developed a new biosensor test system based on magnetic nanoparticles. It is designed to provide highly accurate measurements of the concentration of protein molecules (e.g. markers, which indicate the onset or development of a disease) in various samples, including opaque solutions or strongly colored liquids.

Smallest lattice structure worldwide Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST Scientists have now presented the smallest human-made lattice structure. Its struts and braces are made of glassy carbon. They are smaller than comparable metamaterials by a factor of five. The small dimension results in so far unreached ratios of strength to density. Applications as electrodes, filters or optical components might be possible.

Maps of forests, fields and soils to aid climate change forecasts Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST Detailed maps of the world's natural landscapes could help scientists to better predict the impacts of future climate change. The complex charts of forests, grasslands and other productive ecosystems provide the most complete picture yet of how carbon from the atmosphere is reused and recycled by Earth's natural habitats, say investigators.

Inflammation attacks brain's reward center Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:12 AM PST A brain reward center, the striatum, may be directly affected by inflammation and that striatal change is related to the emergence of illness behaviors, scientists report.

Collagen, heparan sulfate coatings alter cell proliferation, attachment Posted: 02 Feb 2016 09:11 AM PST A new paper describes methods to optimize characteristics of cells grown in a lab using biomaterial coatings. The research falls within the field of tissue engineering - the use of biomaterials, cells, and natural factors to regenerate tissues and organs lost to disease or injury. The research group has used a biodegradable polymer coated with two common biomaterials -- collagen and heparan sulfate -- to emphasize differences in cell-material interactions in different environments.

Newly identified pathway links fetal brain development to adult social behavior Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:09 AM PST Abnormalities in embryonic brain development in mice, including transient embryonic brain enlargement during neuron formation, are responsible for abnormal adult brain structures and behavioral abnormalities, researchers have discovered.

Physician group issues advice, raises questions about best practices for evaluating blood in the urine as a sign of cancer Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:09 AM PST A new report issues advice for physicians on how to detect and evaluate blood found in the urine, which is known as hematuria. The report also raises questions about the potential harms associated with diagnostic tests that are commonly employed to evaluate this condition.

Uncommon surnames narrate the family history of those who bear them Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:08 AM PST In most societies, surnames are passed on from father to son, just like the Y chromosome. This suggests that men who share the same surnames may have Y chromosomes that are related to one another. A new study analyses this correlation in Spain and reveals that a large number of men who are bearers of the same unusual surnames are distant relatives.

Increased risk of bacterial infection if food is exposed to light Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:08 AM PST Listeria bacterium found in food, which can infect people and cause temporary gastro-intestinal distress, is a serious health risk for pregnant women and for people with compromised immune systems. According to a dissertation, the bacterium, which sometimes causes the lethal illness listeriosis, reacts to light by activating defense mechanisms.

Flu vaccine shows promise for reducing risk of influenza-associated atrial fibrillation Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:08 AM PST Influenza is significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation, which could be reduced through influenza vaccination, according to new findings.

A uniter and a divider: Purity keeps us together -- and apart Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST A study of moral values reveals issues related to purity can determine how close -- or how far -- we want to be with someone in social and political circles.

Helicopter parents take extreme approach to homework Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST A new study has revealed helicopter parents who take over responsibility for their child's homework can be doing more harm than good, especially as children get older. They often put more pressure on teachers as well.

Turning down the volume on cancer Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST When the audio on your television set is too loud, you simply turn down the volume. What if we could do the same for signaling in our bodies that essentially causes normal cells to turn cancerous? New discoveries may point to ways to do just that: a research team has identified previously unknown targets for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

Cling-on warriors: Sandcastle worms serve as inspiration for a new type of underwater adhesive Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST An interdisciplinary group of researchers has made strides in the development of an underwater adhesive that has the potential for a variety of biomedical and non-biological applications.

Lava flow crisis averted (for now) Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST Lava flow crises are nothing new on Hawai'i, where their destructive forces have been demonstrated repeatedly. The 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis, however, was unique in terms of its societal impact and volcanological characteristics. Despite a low effusion rate, the long-lived lava flow, whose extent reached 20 km (the longest at Kilauea Volcano in hundreds of years), was poised for months to impact thousands of people, although direct impacts were ultimately minor (thus far).

Anti-bullying program focused on bystanders helps the students who need it the most Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST Many K-12 school efforts to reduce bullying have proven not very effective, leading educators to wonder what bullying prevention approach works best. A new study finds one anti-bullying program works extremely well. The study of more than 7,000 students in 77 elementary schools in Finland found that one program greatly benefited the mental health of sixth graders who were bullied the most, significantly improving their self-esteem and reducing their depression.

Living a 'mixotrophic' lifestyle Posted: 02 Feb 2016 08:07 AM PST Some tiny plankton may have big effect on ocean's carbon storage, report scientists. A research team has found that some microscopic, mixotrophic organisms may have a large impact on the ocean's food web and the global carbon cycle.

Study may offer answers for treating depression in alcoholics Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:14 AM PST A new study is offering a glimmer of hope to alcoholics who find it hard to remain sober because their abstinence is hounded by stubborn, difficult-to-treat depression.

Researchers figure out how super-hot peppers pack their punch Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:14 AM PST Super-hot chile peppers, those with more than one million Scoville Heat Units, are built differently than other peppers, report researchers.

Can games help train future doctors and nurses? Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:14 AM PST Kaizen, a Web-based gaming platform, promotes learning through a mix of education, entertainment and competition. Named for a Japanese phrase meaning "continuous improvement," Kaizen presents players with short, multiple-choice scenarios designed to test their clinical knowledge.

Does gender expression impact weight? New research ties masculinity to higher BMI for young people Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:13 AM PST The first long-term research study of its kind ties masculine gender expression, or how much an individual conforms to masculine norms, to higher Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth.

Scientist creates artificial intelligence algorithm to monitor machinery health Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:12 AM PST An artificial intelligence algorithm greatly increases accuracy in diagnosing the health of complex mechanical systems. In blind tests using data coming from highly unpredictable and real-life situations, the algorithm consistently achieves over 90 percent accuracy, say the researchers.

New galaxy-hunting sky camera sees redder better Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:12 AM PST A newly upgraded camera that incorporates light sensors is now one of the best cameras on the planet for studying outer space at red wavelengths that are too red for the human eye to see.

Adolescent weight gain on popular injectable contraceptive may depend on micronutrient intake Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:12 AM PST Since its introduction nearly 23 years ago, the popular injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) has been associated with causing substantial weight gain in some adolescent girls. Without being able to identify or predict which girls will gain weight on the drug, physicians typically counsel all teens receiving DMPA to simply eat less. New research suggests that the message may need to change to "eat better."

Super Mario gets social intelligence Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:10 AM PST Computer scientists help the popular jump 'n' run game figures learn to observe, collaborate – and even switch allegiance.

Lack of data increases risk to species’ survival Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:10 AM PST Incomplete information is leaving many endangered species off conservation priorities. The majority of species are poorly known, many only from a handful of museum specimens. This makes determining the conservation status of these species difficult, with many ending up being assigned as Data Deficient under the IUCN Red List.

Americans are ten times more likely to die from firearms than citizens of other developed countries Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:08 AM PST Americans are Ten Times More Likely to Die from Firearms Than Citizens of Other Developed Countries, According to New Report Published in The American Journal of Medicine

Study determines saliva gland test can spot early Parkinson's disease Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST Testing a portion of a person's submandibular gland may be a way to diagnose early Parkinson's disease, report scientists. Currently, there is no accurate diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease.

Scientists create imaging 'toolkit' to help identify new brain tumor drug targets Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:07 AM PST Stopping the growth of blood vessels in tumors is a key target for glioblastoma therapies, and imaging methods are essential for initial diagnosis and monitoring the effects of treatments. A team of researchers has developed a combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultramicroscopy 'toolkit' to study vessel growth in glioma models in more detail than previously possible.

Study examines response to sexual violence on campus Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST To address concerns over sexual violence on college campuses, higher education institutions are required to appoint a Title IX Coordinator to investigate incidents, but few are trained to deal with the broad range of offenses the job entails, a study has found.

'Junk' DNA plays role in preventing breast cancer Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST Supposed 'junk' DNA, found in between genes, plays a role in suppressing cancer, according to new research. The human genome contains around three meters of DNA, of which only about two per cent contains genes that code for proteins. Since the sequencing of the complete human genome in 2000, scientists have puzzled over the role of the remaining 98 per cent.

Monsanto's glyphosate now most heavily used weed-killer in history Posted: 02 Feb 2016 06:05 AM PST Monsanto's signature herbicide glyphosate, first marketed as 'Roundup,' is now the most widely and heavily applied weed-killer in the history of chemical agriculture in both the US and globally, according to a landmark report.

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